Anthropology 15 - Non-communicable Diseases and Evolutionary Mismatches

Flashcards covering key concepts from the Anthropology lecture on non-communicable diseases and evolutionary mismatches.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)

Diseases that are not transmissible directly from one person to another, often including heart disease, cancers, and chronic respiratory diseases.

Evolutionary mismatch hypothesis

The idea that traits advantageous in ancestral environments may now be detrimental due to changes in modern environments.

Proportion of deaths due to heart diseases (2019)

33%, equivalent to 18.5 million deaths per year globally.

Infectious diseases

Diseases caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites, with 14% of deaths in 2019 attributed to them.

Chronic respiratory diseases

Diseases that affect the airways and other structures of the lungs, accounting for 7% of deaths in 2019.

Diabetes mellitus

A chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose), with 2.7% of deaths due to diabetes in 2019.

Hunter-gatherers

Early human societies that subsisted by hunting and gathering, existing as such until approximately 11,000 years ago.

Sedentarization

The transition from a nomadic lifestyle to one of permanent settlement, often associated with the advent of agriculture.

Total Energy Expenditure (TEE) in hunter-gatherers

The overall energy used by individuals in hunter-gatherer societies, which is remarkably stable across various hunter-gatherer groups.

Energy density of diet

The amount of energy (kcal) provided per gram of food, with modern diets generally being denser than those of hunter-gatherers.

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring

A method of assessing coronary artery disease by measuring calcium deposits in the coronary arteries.

Anthropology's relevance to modern health

Insights from studying diverse human societies can inform better health strategies and practices for contemporary populations.

Evolutionary biology principles in medicine

The application of evolutionary concepts to improve medical understanding and treatment of diseases.

Physical activity in subsistence-level societies

Generally high levels of physical activity, contributing to lower rates of chronic diseases compared to industrialized populations.

Chronic diseases

Long-lasting diseases with persistent effects, often preventable through lifestyle changes.

Dietary consequences of modern living

Increased intake of high-energy dense foods leading to health issues such as obesity and related diseases.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)

Diseases that are not transmissible directly from one person to another, often including heart disease, cancers, and chronic respiratory diseases.

Evolutionary mismatch hypothesis

The idea that traits advantageous in ancestral environments may now be detrimental due to changes in modern environments.

Proportion of deaths due to heart diseases (2019)

33%, equivalent to 18.5 million deaths per year globally.

Infectious diseases

Diseases caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites, with 14% of deaths in 2019 attributed to them.

Chronic respiratory diseases

Diseases that affect the airways and other structures of the lungs, accounting for 7% of deaths in 2019.

Diabetes mellitus

A chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose), with 2.7% of deaths due to diabetes in 2019.

Hunter-gatherers

Early human societies that subsisted by hunting and gathering, existing as such until approximately 11,000 years ago.

Sedentarization

The transition from a nomadic lifestyle to one of permanent settlement, often associated with the advent of agriculture.

Total Energy Expenditure (TEE) in hunter-gatherers

The overall energy used by individuals in hunter-gatherer societies, which is remarkably stable across various hunter-gatherer groups.

Energy density of diet

The amount of energy (kcal) provided per gram of food, with modern diets generally being denser than those of hunter-gatherers.

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring

A method of assessing coronary artery disease by measuring calcium deposits in the coronary arteries.

Anthropology's relevance to modern health

Insights from studying diverse human societies can inform better health strategies and practices for contemporary populations.

Evolutionary biology principles in medicine

The application of evolutionary concepts to improve medical understanding and treatment of diseases.

Physical activity in subsistence-level societies

Generally high levels of physical activity, contributing to lower rates of chronic diseases compared to industrialized populations.

Chronic diseases

Long-lasting diseases with persistent effects, often preventable through lifestyle changes.

Dietary consequences of modern living

Increased intake of high-energy dense foods leading to health issues such as obesity and related diseases.

Major Risk Factors for NCDs

Unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful use of alcohol.

Health Impact of Sedentarization

Increased prevalence of NCDs due to changes in diet and physical activity levels compared to nomadic lifestyles.

Example of Evolutionary Mismatch (Diet)

The human preference for sweet and fatty foods, once adaptive for calorie acquisition, now contributes to obesity and diabetes in environments with abundant processed foods.

Characteristic of typical modern 'Western' diets

High in refined grains, processed sugars, unhealthy fats, and low in fiber, leading to increased risk of chronic diseases.